In the nineteenth century the rich who were fond of yacht sailing started to found yacht clubs. This idea was supported by yacht and boat builders. Nowadays there is a number of yacht clubs that are very popular among its members and people who are interested in yacht sailing as well as yacht builders. Yacht clubs have their own societies, issue papers and magazines, have web sites, and play not the last role in yacht innovations as they are in close cooperation with yacht builders. Many of clubs' members contribute to the sport of yachting and yacht design. Some yacht clubs have in their names the names of the particular yacht building companies while others - the name of their location.
Among the most distinguished clubs New York Yacht Club and Seattle Yacht Club are worth mentioning. They are very influential yachting institutions.
Seattle Yacht Club was established in 1892 and has grown to exceed approximately 3000 members. Extremely active junior, cruising and racing programs are maintained for both power and sail. The 8500 square foot clubhouse was built in 1920 and is conducive to warm and friendly social gatherings. The club's formal dining room is reputed to be one of the best in the Seattle area. Seattle Yacht Club is pleased to welcome members of approved reciprocal clubs to visit and enjoy the facilities of the SYC Portage Bay main station. Reciprocal guests must present either their current club membership card or a letter of introduction from their club.
Seattle Yacht Club main station is located in Seattle at 1807 East Hamlin Street, 1/4 mile southwest of the Montlake Bridge on the southeast side of Portage Bay (fresh water bay connecting Lake Union with Lake Washington), just north of the Highway 520 bridge crossing Lake Washington. Parking is on a space availability basis. Latitude/Longitude is 47° 38' 73" N and 122° 18' 43" W. Arrival from Puget Sound requires passing from saltwater to freshwater via locks and under several bridges.
Moorage is available to members of clubs that provide reciprocal guest moorage. Reciprocal guests to Seattle Yacht Club receive moorage free of charge for 48 hours. Additional moorage is available for up to 14 days in any calendar year at posted moorage rates. Moorage reservations are not accepted; availability is on a first come first serve basis. Guests must fly their club's burgee at all times and comply with Seattle Yacht Club Moorage and Docks rules
Seattle Yacht Club formal dining room, the Ward Room, serves lunch and dinner. Informal jacket and tie are traditional, but not required in the Ward Room. The Marine Room, located upstairs on the third floor, is casual and serves lunch, dinner and full service bar with hors d'oeuvres. Dining on the outside deck is available during the summer. A service charge is added to all food and beverage purchases; additional tipping is not allowed. Dining reservations are not accepted; dining is on a space available basis.
New Yacht Club is a private yacht club. It was founded on July 30, 1844 by nine gentlemen. John Cox Stevens, the leader of this group and an important citizen of New York with a passion for sport, was elected Commodore. In addition to his sailing activities, Stevens once served as president of the Jockey Club and owned the great racing horse, Eclipse; he was also a founding member of New York's oldest gentlemen's club, the Union Club.
New York Yacht Club hosts many regattas during the season including the following: the New York Yacht Club Cruise, a series of races held annually in July; the Annual Regatta, which started in 1846; the Queen's Cup Trophy regatta; the 12-metre Worlds; the Una Cup; the Corsair Cup; the Astor Cups; and the Solution Trophy